Israel’s government cabinet started the weekly meeting on Sunday with a tribute to the late Pensioner Affairs Minister Uri Shraga Orbach, z’l, a member of the Bayit Yehudi party.
Orbach was not only a politician, however; he attended hesder yeshiva and served in the IDF Armored Corps and then became a journalist, writing for Yediot Ahronot and hosting a show for Galei Tzahal Army Radio. He also wrote children’s books, including “Donkeys on the Roof and Other Stories.”
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eulogized Orbach, who passed away last year at age 55 due to blood disease. Family and friends went together to visit his grave on Friday to commemorate the one-year anniversary in accordance with Jewish custom.
“Uri was a wonderful minister who worked tirelessly to bring Israeli culture and heritage to every citizen of the country,” Netanyahu said.
“He initiated new projects in order to help the elderly citizens of the country and he maintained an attitude that was proud and nationalist from one standpoint, and open to all members of society from the other.”
“I can attest to the fact that every time that he spoke during the cabinet meetings, and he always spoke towards the end, everyone listened to him, as he had both wit, understanding and a true love of every Jew.
“We are all pained by his passing. We loved him tremendously.”
An official memorial ceremony will be held in honor of the late minister on Sunday night in Jerusalem, led by President Reuven Rivlin and attended by Bayit Yehudi party chairman Naftali Bennett, party member and Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel and other friends and family of the minister.